Welsh Words and Phrases on Gravestones

Listed below are the meanings of the most common Welsh language words and phrases found on gravestones in Wales.
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The inscriptions on gravestones in Welsh churchyards, cemeteries and chapel burial yards are frequently written in the Welsh language, as in the example quoted here. At first sight, this may confound non Welsh-speaking family historians, but checking through the lists of Welsh words and phrases provided below should enable most such inscriptions to be understood. When you've studied the lists, scroll down the page and test your skills on an authentic Welsh monumental inscription.

Note: The "/" forward slash symbol is used in transcriptions of monumental inscriptions as an end-of-line marker.

A rough translation follows:

In memory/ of/ EDWARD DAVIES/ Treforis (Morriston)/ who died May 21, 1896/ aged 34 years./ Also SARAH HANNAH, his daughter/ who died January 26, 1894, aged 15 months./ Also MARY ANN, his daughter/ who died February 14, 1895 aged 11 months./ Also WILLIE EDWARD, his son/ who died February 1, 1896/ aged 5 years./ Also SARAH, wife of the above/ who died February 24, 1938/ aged 72 years./ "Peace perfect peace"./